Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes October 9, 2001
Present: Judy Murdoch, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones (Catherine Kuchinski absent). Also present, Executive Secretary E. Winn Davis and Management Assistant, Meredith Scozzari.
7:30 p.m. – Chairman Webster called the meeting to order and read the announcements. The Board observed a moment of silence for John Ibbitson & John Dias; Memorial Walkway; Reception for new Firefighters 11/3 at Camp Kiwanee; Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day 11/3 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m. Mass. Electric – Request for a Pole hearing on Baker Street – Matter tabled – waiting for representative from Mass. Electric.
I. Monthly Department Head Reports:
Police Chief Russell King presented his monthly report, which highlighted officer training; community service; school security; court appearances; traffic enforcement and calls for service. The Chief also reviewed his August report in which he referenced the awarding of a Block Grants and a meeting with the local business regarding increased patrols to combat loitering. The Chief indicated that he has meet with Chief Hoyt regarding an emergency preparedness plan. He also discussed safety and bio-terrorism.
Fire Chief Allen Hoyt discussed the events on 9/11 and indicated that they have received many donations and additional donations should be made to the Red Cross. This is Fire prevention week. An open house will be held on October 13 from 12 – 4:00 p.m. The department will be participating in training the MEMA in November. Discussed hiring procedures using a 3-member review board. Chief would like to have a full compliment of 4 men per shift by July.
II. Mass. Electric – Pole Hearing – Robert Swift of Mass. Electric was present to request a joint pole on Baker Street.
MOTION by Jones, second by Murdoch to open hearing. Voted 4– 0.
Abutters Ed and Kathleen Fitzpatrick and Debbie Dineen were present to oppose the pole. They also presented a letter from Donald & Tara Short opposing the pole The abutters were informed by Asplund that 28 trees would have to be taken down. The abutters are concerned about drainage. The neighbors have requested that the pole be placed on Hill Road. Mr. Swift indicated that he is not the engineer for the project and that he would send the project engineer to answer questions. The Board requested input from Richard Harris regarding the drainage problem.
MOTION by Murdoch, second by McSweeney to continue the hearing until October 16th at
7:45 p.m. Voted 4 – 0.
III. Returned to Monthly Reports:
Building Inspector Michael Kennedy informed that Board that he has issued 36 building permits totaling over $900,000 in construction during the month of September. He informed the Board that the gas inspector has been injured in Colorado and the assistant gas inspector is covering.
Town Accountant Barbara Gomez presented the monthly budget analysis. She informed the Board that the payroll is higher than usually because there were five weeks in September. All the budgets are running well. She requested a meeting with Chairman Webster, Roger McGovern and Winn to prepare for the department head meeting. The Regional school district has $1,262,075.00 in free cash. Currently there is $1,450,000 in stabilization.
Treasurer/Collector Carole McCormack informed the Board that the sale of the trip tickets is going well and 17 were processed Thursday and Friday after Town Meeting. She presented the Board with a Collections summary.
Resignation – The board received the resignation of Howard Dillon from the Thomas Mill Committee.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Murdoch to accept with regret Mr. Dillon’s resignation from the Thomas Mill Committee. Voted 4 – 0.
Executive Secretary Report - Mr. Davis reported that the landfill bids closed today and seven bids were received. The RFQ for the Senior Center is due on Wednesday. The applications for the Director of the COA closed today and 24 applications were received. The interim director informed him that the kitchen at the Senior Center is not in compliance and they will be outsourcing the meals on wheels. A law suit from Goscon against the Planning Board has been forwarded to Town Counsel; a budget meeting has been set for December 6th with the department heads and the Chairmen from the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and School Committee; Brian Clemons trained on the Harvester for use in the Spring; he reviewed the MMA Action Alert; Housing inventory; Census 2000 Block maps and
request from Halifax regarding weeds study; Mr. Davis is preparing to auction 112 High Street. The Board discussed the protocol list for the Library/Senior Center maintenance. The Board requested that VHB be removed from the list and that a list of maintenance contractors be compiled. Mr. Davis reported that he hoped to have an agreement with Baran by the end of the week.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Murdoch to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0.
8:55 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
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